When I try to think of a favorite place, my thoughts turn to nature. Living in an urban area and surrounded most of the time by buildings, freeways, and too much traffic, it is always special to get away from those things and experience the peace and solitude of nature.

There is a place right in Minneapolis where I can feel like I am away from the city and connected to nature - Minnehaha Park. My favorite part of Minnehaha Park is the falls. When I worked with groups of young boys years ago, Minnehaha Falls was always a fun activity for them and for me. If we were there at the right time of the year, we could actually walk behind the falls, which was a neat experience. It probably wasn't safe, and I'm not sure you can even get down there any more. Above the falls, there is a bridge where you can stand over the creek and watch the flow of the water as it nears the drop off.

Bellow the falls, there is another bridge over the creek. This bridge is a perfect spot to watch and listen to the falls. Around 1990, we had some family pictures taken on this bridge when our son was in high school. The picture of Kathy and me is from that day. We are sitting on a wall on the bridge with Kathy's first guide dog Hazy sitting next to her.

When you cross the bridge, you can walk along the creek. It has been many years ago, but if I remember correctly, we could follow the creek all the way to where it empties into the Mississippi River. Walking along the creek and surrounded by trees, it is easy to forget that I am in the city.

There is something about the sound of that is soothing and inspiring. Watching and listening to the water at Minnehaha Falls has that affect on me. Unfortunately, it has been quite some time since I have been to Minnehahaa Park to see the waterfall. Writing this story reminds me of how special it has been to me for over 30 years. I plan to take some time soon to return this favorite place, to watch the falls, walk along the creek, feel the peace, and remember the special times I have had there.